Indian Trails Launches Michigan Flyer Fleet With Near-Zero Emissions

EAST LANSING — Michigan Flyer is putting an all-new fleet of four luxury motorcoaches on the road this month, representing a $2.1 million investment in the inter-city and airport shuttle service by parent company Indian Trails Inc. of Owosso.

“The decision to invest in this infrastructure upgrade is based on our commitment to our customers, to Michigan Flyer, and to the people of mid-Michigan,” said Indian Trails President Gordon Mackay.

Michigan Flyer makes eight roundtrips each day between East Lansing, Jackson, Ann Arbor, and Detroit Metropolitan Airport, carrying more than 90,000 passengers a year.

The new fleet — all 2012 Prevost H3-45 coaches — is one of the first in Michigan to be equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology, which combines Exhaust Gas Recirculation and Diesel Particulate Filters to produce near zero emissions.

“We’re proud that our Michigan Flyer fleet exceeds the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 standards on air pollutants and also achieves high fuel economy,” said Mackay. “Each of these motorcoaches has the potential to remove 50 automobiles from the highway, further reducing air pollution, traffic congestion, and our nation’s dependence on foreign oil.”

The new coaches — all equipped with ADA-compliant wheelchair lifts — also feature a collection of amenities designed to enhance passenger safety and comfort.

One innovative safety feature is an electronic stability system that enables drivers to avoid danger in adverse conditions, such as ice and snow. It monitors vehicle movement, wheel speed, steering angle, and lateral acceleration, then automatically applies brakes or reduces throttle if necessary to prevent skid or rollover.

Other advanced safety features include GPS; three-point retractable passenger seatbelts; an engine fire-detection and suppression system; and a tire pressure monitoring system.

“The safety of our passengers is always top priority,” said Mackay. “But we also realize that many are fatigued by long hours of air travel, or are commuting to and from stressful jobs, so we also aim to provide the most comfortable motorcoach experience possible, including high-end interior amenities.”

Indian Trails Inc. operates one of the largest and newest fleets of deluxe motorcoaches in Michigan. Its services include charters, tours, shuttles, airport transfers, casino runs and daily scheduled routes throughout Michigan and into Chicago and Milwaukee. More at www.indiantrails.com.